Vaccine Verification: Hillsboro Parks And Recreation Patrons May Remove Masks While Exercising

Press release from the City of Hillsboro:

May 24, 2021

Hidden Creek Community Center and SHARC will provide vaccine verification to allow mask removal for indoor exercise. The face covering requirement will remain in effect at Brookwood and Shute Park libraries, and other City facilities.

Starting today, Monday, May 24, patrons who are exercising indoors at City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department facilities (SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center) will have the option to verify their vaccination card with City staff for approval to remove their mask or face covering.

• Patrons must wear face coverings when entering these facilities until vaccine verification is completed.
• Patrons must present their vaccine card or other proof of vaccination in order to request approval to remove their mask.

Face coverings or masks are not required at playgrounds, parks, and other outdoor activities in Hillsboro.

The City’s face covering policy is based on guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Washington County Public Health, and others. It is evaluated weekly or more frequently based on the latest guidance. Washington County is current considered in the “Low Risk” category and additional guidance is expected in the coming weeks.

Library patrons required to wear masks

The City of Hillsboro will maintain current face covering requirements within most City facilities following recent guidance from the Oregon Health Authority allowing a vaccine verification policy to remove masks, as desired.

Library patrons at the Brookwood and Shute Park libraries, and customers visiting the Hillsboro Civic Center, will continue to need to wear a face covering inside each facility.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and help as we work to protect our patrons and employees, and to explain this policy to those with questions,” said Library Director Hillary Ostlund. “Please be kind. It’s more important than ever for our community to care for each other – and to consider the reasons why we are being so careful.”

City Manager explains current policy

“We are being thoughtful and methodical in evaluating and updating our policies to ensure the well-being of all community members, including our frontline employees who spend so much of their time within our facilities,” said City Manager Robby Hammond.

“We recognize and appreciate the importance of City services and facilities within our community. We understand there’s a desire among vaccinated patrons to remove their mask while exercising, and we are we are following the latest guidance for vaccinated people by establishing a vaccine verification program within Parks & Recreation facilities.

“For other indoor activities, we will continue the face covering requirement while we evaluate how to best ensure health and safety in providing these services. And we will continue to encourage everyone in the community to get vaccinated. That is the quickest way for us to no longer need a face covering requirement.”

This press release was produced by the City of Hillsboro. The views expressed here are the author’s own.